Page 57 of Roughing
The truth that I finally belonged hit me so hard I almost doubled over. We were building something from the ground up. Very few players had this opportunity, and I’d been squandering the gift I’d been given. The small band of disgruntled teammates I’d gathered around me since day one had disintegrated since I wasn’t leading the pack. I’m sure a few of them were still unhappy at being on this team. Without my influence, they’d quietly fade into the background and most likely be gone by the trade deadline or after the season ended.
Where would I be? Where did I want to be? That answer wasn’t as easy as it had been a month ago.
On that note, I pulled off the head and handed it to an equipment guy. I nodded at Nolan, a few seats down from me. “Congrats on your first NHL game. You look like you belong.”
Nolan ducked his head briefly in a show of modesty, then met my gaze and grinned. “Thanks, Brigger, that means a lot coming from you.”
I nodded brusquely, a little embarrassed by how much my praise meant to the kid.
“Would you mind giving me some pointers after practice tomorrow on blocking shots? You’re the master.” He watched me expectantly, his usual confidence eroding slightly as he waited for my answer.
“Yeah, sure.” I may have just agreed to help a guy replace me, but I’d do it anyway.
I was anxious to see Michella after the game. She’d be waiting at the Puck. I left my car parked at the arena and strode down the block, making my way through the stragglers leaving the game.
“Briggs, wait up.”
I slowed and glanced over my shoulder. Trent jogged toward me until he fell into step. “Heading to the Puck?”
“I am.”
“Mind if I join you?”
I shot him a sideways glance. “Does this have anything to do with Heidi?”
Once again, his face turned red. “Maybe.”
“Are you two an item?”
“Nah, not yet.”
I didn’t know Trent well other than his game. We’d never played together, even in the lower leagues. He had a knack for finding the net in traffic and being in the right place to tip in a rebound. He played a two-hundred-foot game, which I appreciated. I couldn’t recall if he had a rep as a womanizer or a partier, but I doubted he did, considering I hadn’t seen him doing either on road trips.
Once inside the Puck, we went to our usual spot in the back room. I forgot all about Trent when I laid eyes on Michella. Damn, but she was beautiful. She made a hockey jersey into a fashion statement with her leggings and high-heeled boots.
I walked right up to her and bent down. Unsure if she’d appreciate a PDA, I brushed my lips across hers to stake a claim. She beamed at me. “Good game, champ.”
“Thanks.” I slid onto the stool next to her. “You look fucking fantastic rocking my jersey.”
Her smile was genuine, and she gave my thigh an affectionate squeeze. I pointedly glanced at my crotch, wishing she’d stroke my dick, too.
“Maybe we should call it a night. Eh?” I suggested hopefully.
“Not yet. I promised Heidi a ride home. Let her have some fun first.” She winked at me and jerked her head toward Heidi and Trent. He’d slid a stool between Michella and Heidi and was talking a blue streak to Heidi, who listened intently.
“Remind you of someone?”
“Us?”
“Yeah, except we were usually arguing as the sparks flew between us. They’re just talking and both seem shy. It’s so adorable.”
“Adorable.” I rolled my eyes good-naturedly.
“What happened to my grouchy asshole?”
“He’s still here, just taking a break. How was work today?”
“I think Carla’s warming up to me. We worked on Pria’s case together, and I told her what we’d found out the last two nights.”
